New Delhi: A speech delivered by Vellappally Natesan, the general secretary of the Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam, during a convention in Malappuram has ignited controversy, eliciting strong reactions from political and community leaders throughout Kerala. In his remarks about Malappuram, a district with a Muslim majority, Natesan referred to it as “a different country.”
“I doubt one can live in Malappuram while enjoying fresh air. I also question whether one can express an independent opinion there. Malappuram is a different country, inhabited by a distinct group of people,” Natesan stated on Friday at an event in the Chungathara area of the district. He further raised concerns about whether marginalized communities have truly benefited from decades of independence.
According to the 2011 Census, Malappuram has a population exceeding 4.1 million, with Muslims constituting over 70% of the population, while Hindus make up only 27.6%. The SNDP represents the Ezhava community, which is notably present in various regions of Kerala.
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) denounced Natesan’s statements. Party president Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal responded forcefully, asserting, “Criticism of Malappuram is not aimed at a single community. It targets a district renowned for its legendary writers and artists, home to numerous historic temples. This district belongs to everyone, not just one community.”
In the face of increasing backlash, Natesan reaffirmed his position on Sunday, stating, “I will not retract a single word.” He denied that his comments were anti-Muslim, asserting, “What have I said against the Muslim community? In my recent address, I simply pointed out the absence of social justice in Malappuram. That is the reality.”
To further clarify his stance, Natesan accused certain leaders of the IUML of misrepresenting his statements. “Some individuals are attempting to label me as anti-Muslim. However, I hold no animosity towards any community. I have not made any statements of hatred,” he asserted, noting that a portion of the media was highlighting selective excerpts from his speech.
He claimed that individuals from backward communities in Malappuram were being deprived of social, political, educational, and economic opportunities. “Our community lacks even a crematorium in Malappuram. They are living in conditions akin to slavery,” Natesan remarked, using this as an illustration of systemic exclusion.
In questioning the IUML’s dedication to secularism, he raised the issue of why the party has never nominated a non-Muslim candidate in the district, even at the panchayat level. He accused the party of endorsing what he referred to as “pseudo-secularism.”
